Fantasy Baseball 2016: Rookie Sleepers At Each Position

Mar 21, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker (91) is congratulated after hitting a two run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Red Sox defeated the Cardinals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 11, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA;Houston Astros first baseman A.J. Reed (80) hits a double to right center in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

First Base: A.J. Reed – ADP: Undrafted

The path to the Major Leagues appears to be wide open for A.J. Reed. The Astros parted ways with Chris Carter clearing a spot for A.J. Reed who they drafted in 2014.

The left-handed first basemen was probably the best hitter coming out of college in 2014 and he’ll look to follow a similar path as Kris Bryant. Reed hasn’t had eye-popping numbers this Spring, but the Astros are probably set on letting him work things out in the Majors.

In 2015, he batted .340 across two minor league levels. It should be noted that he hasn’t hit at Triple-A, but a lot of times good pitchers never make it as far as Triple-A before they get called up. A lot of prospects make the jump from Double-A to the show and are just fine.

Aside from hitting for a high average, A.J. Reed kills the baseball. He hit 34 home runs, 30 doubles, and five triples across just 523 at-bats last season. That’s a home run every 15 at-bats and an extra-base hit every 7.5 at-bats.

He does strikeout a fair deal, but he also walked 86 times last season. His on-base percentage was a whopping .432 so he shouldn’t be overzealous when he gets the the Major Leagues.

Next: Come On Ref!

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